Proper Lens Cleaning

Burris Optics — Universal Lens Cleaning Guide

Applies to: All Burris optics (riflescopes, red dots, binoculars, spotting scopes, thermal optics, and rangefinders).
Read First: This guide covers standard cleaning for glass lenses. See the ⚠️ Critical Warning for products with plastic windows/lenses and other special-surface notes.

---

Quick Links

• ⚠️ Critical Warning (Plastic & Special Surfaces)
• What to Use (Safe vs. Unsafe)
• Step-by-Step Cleaning (All Optics)
• Product-Specific Notes
• Best Practices & Storage

---

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Do Not Use Acetone on Plastic or Special Optical Surfaces

• Handheld rangefinders: External lenses/windows are plastic — never use acetone. It will soften, haze, or permanently damage the surface.
• Oracle X: Rangefinder windows are plastic — never use acetone on these windows.
• Thermal optics (BTC/BTH/BTS series): Front elements are not standard glass (e.g., germanium w/ specialty coatings). Do not use acetone; use only optics-safe cleaner recommended for coated optics.

For the above products, use optics-specific lens cleaner, 90–99% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) sparingly, or distilled water only.

---

✅What to Use (Safe vs. Unsafe)

Cleaner	Use On	Notes
Optics-specific lens cleaner	All coated glass lenses	Best first choice. Apply to cloth/Q-tip, not directly to lens.
90–99% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)	Coated glass lenses	Use sparingly for fingerprints/smudges; follow with dry microfiber.
Distilled Water	Any lens for light cleaning	Prevents mineral spots; safe starting point.
Acetone (Last resort)	Glass-only lenses (e.g., many riflescopes)	Never on plastic windows/lenses (handheld rangefinders, Oracle X windows) or thermal fronts. Keep strictly on glass; avoid seals, paint, and rubber. Also, be sure to not use acetone on binoculars that have rubber, or plastic near the lens.

❌ Avoid Entirely

• Ammonia-based cleaners (e.g., household glass sprays)
• Household soaps/detergents
• Paper towels, napkins, or clothing (scratch risk)
• Flooding any lens with liquid

---

🔹Step-by-Step Cleaning (All Optics)

1. Remove Loose Debris
   Use a bulb blower or soft lens brush. Canned/compressed air is helpful in removing surface dust.
2. Dry Wipe
   Use a clean microfiber lens cloth or lens pen; gently wipe from center outward in small circles.
3. Add Cleaner if Needed
   Apply cleaner to the cloth/Q-tip—not directly to the lens. Start with optics cleaner → IPA → distilled water (as appropriate).
   Acetone: last resort and glass-only; lightly dampen a Q-tip, keep strictly on the glass, avoid seals/paint/plastics.
4. Stubborn Spots
   Let the dampened cloth/Q-tip rest on the spot briefly, then wipe with light pressure.
5. Dry & Inspect
   Brief air-dry, then lightly polish with a clean microfiber section to remove streaks. Inspect under light.

---

Product-Specific Notes

Riflescopes (e.g., Eliminator III, Fullfield, Veracity)

• Lenses are coated glass. Follow the standard steps above.
• Acetone may be used only as last resort on glass elements; keep it off seals, paint, rubber, and markings.

Red Dots & Reflex Sights (e.g., FastFire)

• Coated glass windows; avoid flooding with liquid around emitter openings.
• Use optics cleaner or IPA sparingly on a microfiber; avoid acetone around adhesives/seals.

Binoculars & Spotting Scopes

• Coated glass objectives/eyepieces; follow standard steps.
• Keep liquids away from hinge/eyecup mechanisms; avoid acetone on armor/plastics.

Handheld Rangefinders

• Plastic external windows/lenses — do not use acetone.
• Use optics cleaner, IPA sparingly, or distilled water; apply to cloth/Q-tip only.

Oracle X

• Plastic rangefinder windows — do not use acetone.
• Clean with optics cleaner, IPA sparingly, or distilled water only.

Thermal Optics (BTC/BTH/BTS)

• Front elements are specialty materials/coatings (not standard glass).
• Do not use acetone. Use optics-safe cleaner suitable for coated optics; wipe gently.

---

Best Practices & Storage

• Always start dry (blower/brush) before wiping to avoid dragging grit.
• Use light pressure; coatings can scratch if abrasive particles are present.
• Rotate to a clean section of microfiber frequently.
• Keep lens caps on during transport and storage to reduce cleaning frequency.

Unsure if a surface is plastic or specialty-coated? Treat it as plastic and do not use acetone, or contact Burris Support for guidance.